While the trade association's latest letter urges the President to "seek a mutually beneficial compromise" on China's ban, some of its largest members — and other industry groups — have emphasized the need to move on.

Marc Elrich made closing the county-owned facility by 2022 part of his recent winning campaign — but faced with a surprise contract extension and unclear alternatives, that timeline has become less definitive.

A draft environmental impact statement from the city's Department of Sanitation offers fresh data about whether non-exclusive zones are the right move, along with commentary from Waste Connections and other companies.

Waste Management declined to bid for the first time in years, leaving city officials with a case of sticker shock and limited options. Three other companies are also vying for the city's residential waste.

While the company's core solid waste business remains stable, CEO Richard Burke projects continued price hikes related to recyclables collection — even for customers that have already seen an initial round of increases.